20110314
reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Dmitry Medvedev has barred Muammar Gaddafi and his family from Russia, the Kremlin said on Monday, in a move that brings Moscow closer in line with Western policy on the Libyan leader.

The Kremlin said a decree on March 10 would also prohibit Gaddafi, who has launched a counteroffensive against rebels in control of much of eastern Libya, and his family from conducting financial operations in Russia.

With the unrest in Libya halting billions of dollars in Russian arms, energy and railway deals, political analysts said the Kremlin wanted to make sure it is will be able to deal with any new leadership in Libya.

Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of Russia in Global Affairs journal, said the ban against Gaddafi and his family suggested Moscow could back a no-fly zone over Libya despite ruling out military intervention as "unacceptable".

France and Britain have been leading calls in the United Nations for a no-fly zone, which Arab League leaders have also backed.

Russia "traditionally opposes any foreign military intervention", Lukyanov said. "But as global politics is driven by all kinds of deals, it is possible that Russia may turn around its position ... if it is offered something in exchange."

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier on Monday that Russia would consider any proposal that comes before the Security Council. But he suggested Moscow would want limits on a no-fly zone.

"We need to understand specifically what the Arab states want to see," Lavrov told a news conference.